Sam is my personal creative outlet.It's my excuse to drag out my sewing machines...turning our family room into a disaster! Maybe someday I will have my own work room!
A few years ago...after a few restless nights...some new ideas started to come to mind. I had always loved the patterns and colors of vintage linens. Of course...you can only have so many tablecloths to actually 'use' before things get out of hand. Plus...so many of the old linens were hard to find without a few stains or holes. What can you do with them?
After a few attempts with some different patterns...I started turning the old tableclothes in little girl skirts. Then these morphed into matching t-shirts. I would scour local stores for clearance t-shirts...and applique the shirts with matching fabrics to coordinate with the skirts. These first runs I sold at a few local artist shows or fairs. Many friends supported those early efforts...and I would see some of those cute outfits flitting around the kids school.
What's in a name...I needed a 'brand' name to go with my new creations. Many ideas floated around. One day, my husband John said...what about 'sam'. I thought this was a strange suggestion...since our son's name is Sam...and I was making 'girl' clothing. I asked...what do you mean? His reply was...'sam'...Sam, Anna, and Maggie! The initials of our three kids! Thus...'sam' was the new name!
After awhile skirt burn out set in...but I have continued to buy tableclothes. Anything under $10.00 is a good deal. Many of the tablecloths from the 1940's to 1950's can run on upwards of $50 for one in mint condition. I hit antique shows, stores, estate sales, ebay...to find my resources.
As my stack has grown...new ideas started to form in my mind. How could I use the tablecloths to entice a larger customer base. The little girl skirts are fun and cute...but fairly limited client base. After a few more restless nights...new ideas started to form.